EXILE – A theatre and music gig exploring the extraordinary life of John Boyle O’Reilly
3 September 2026
EXILE is a unique theatre and music gig exploring the extraordinary life of Fenian, poet, convict, journalist and orator John Boyle O’Reilly from Dowth County Meath. The gregarious and gifted John Boyle O’Reilly was arrested for Fenian Activity in Dublin 1866 and transported to Australia. He was the first man to ever escape that merciless penal colony in a daring venture by raft and whale boat, washing up in America where he became one of the country’s most celebrated progressives and writers. John Boyle O’Reilly has haunted playwright Deirdre Kinahan since she tumbled across his homeplace during Covid. In EXILE she joins with collaborators and musicians in exploring his radical soul, creating a moving elegy of spoken word, rhythm and rock.
Commissioned and developed by Meath County Council Arts Office with support from Creative Ireland, the Arts Council of Ireland, Dublin Port Company and Funded by the Culture Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026. Produced by SoFFt Productions & Meath Arts Office.
Details
- Thursday 26th Nov – 7.30pm
- Friday 27th Nov – 7.30pm
- Saturday 28th Nov – 7.30pm
The Venue
The Substation
Dublin Port
Tickets
Full Price €25.00 & Concession: €20.00
Seating is unallocated. Advance booking is recommended.
Please arrive in good time before the advertised performance start time.
There is no public parking available at the venue.
Creative Team:
Created and Written by Deirdre Kinahan
Directed by Jim Culleton
Music composed by Steve Wickham, Wayne Sheehy and Gerardette Bailey
Sound Design by Carl Kennedy
Stage Manager Iain Synott
Commissioned & developed by Meath Arts Office. Produced in partnership with SoFFt Productions.
CAST:
Steve Wickham
Wayne Sheehy
Mary Murray
Saramai Leach
Jess Kavanagh